How Mitsubishi plans to keep its booming sales going in 2023 without a new Triton

At the start of 2022 you could have argued things looked tough for Mitsubishi. The brand was facing a serious threat from MG, which was stealing sales from the popular Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross, plus there was no new Triton model to help combat the incoming Ford Ranger or any special version to fight the Nissan Navara Warrior.

Instead Mitsubishi had one of its best years on record, jumping from sixth to fourth on the sales charts, leap-frogging Hyundai and Ford in the process, as sales jumped nearly 14 per cent, rising to 76,991.

The question now becomes, can the company repeat these impressive results in 2023 and stay ahead of a resurgent Hyundai and Ford, plus fend off the growing threat from MG?

Read More About Toyota HiLux

The toughest Triton ever! Walkinshaw-engineered Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme to put the Ranger Raptor, Navara Warrior and HiLux Rugged X on notice All-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton here soon, Ralliart included The return of Ralliart! Mitsubishi Australia spills its plans for the future of its performance heroes, and promises it will be more than just a sticker pack

On the surface level that may seem difficult, with the new Triton unlikely to arrive until 2024 and no exciting new Ralliart product confirmed for Australian release yet. But looking at how and why the company enjoyed such a successful ‘22 points to another strong year in ‘23.

One key reason for that is Mitsubishi’s successful ‘22 came despite both the ASX and Eclipse Cross suffering down years, sales wise, in the face of both supply constraints and more competition, including the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion.

Mitsubishi Australia has already announced a raft of 2023 model year updates for both of these small SUVs which should help turn around the sales slide and that will make a big difference to the brand’s overall record.

Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV is now perfectly positioned to take advantage of the increasing demand for electrified vehicles from Australian buyers.

The bigger reason for optimism in Mitsubishi head office and dealerships is that despite the current Triton approaching the end of its life, it remains popular. In fact, Triton 4x4 sales were up more than 46 per cent in ‘22. Combined 4x4 and 4x2 sales made it the fourth most popular new vehicle in the country last year, behind only the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Toyota RAV4. 

When you factor in the long-rumoured ‘Triton Xtreme’ reportedly being prepared by Walkinshaw Automotive Group to take on the likes of the Ranger Raptor and Navara Warrior, there’s reason to be optimistic for Triton’s continued success this year.

Then there’s the Outlander SUV, which is also due for some model year updates in 2023. It’s coming off the back of a very successful sales year, finishing up by more than 34 per cent. With 19,546 sold in ‘22 it was the third most popular model in the medium SUV segment, behind the RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. That makes it a heavy hitter and highlights the importance for brands to have a compelling mid-size SUV given the size of that market.

The ASX SUV suffered a downturn in sales due to supply constraints and an increase in competition.

Mitsubishi was one of the earliest advocates for plug-in hybrids and its Outlander PHEV is now perfectly positioned to take advantage of the increasing demand for electrified vehicles from Australian buyers.

Of course, that’s all easier said than done, and Mitsubishi will need to contend with Hyundai looking to overcome its troublesome supply constraints and meet its claimed demand, as well as a Ford Motor Company that will have a still-fresh Ranger line-up as well as the new Mustang and F-150 arriving in ‘23. 

Which should make for a competitive market for those looking to buy a new car in 2023.